Bologna, Italy

For 25aubrey, Bologna is “a beautiful city that goes under the radar”. His recommendation came for its cafe culture, dining and the fact that being a university town there’s “a healthy supply of bars, to quench those studying thirsts”. A good spot for some intelligent drinking is the bar at the Museum of Modern Art, and a day trip to the gelato museum (which opened just outside the city a couple of years ago) is a must.

Nice, France

Monctonian recommended Nice, pointing to the fountain area, huge prom and great views over the sea as highlights. The city’s got a great culinary scene, too: check out the Michelin-starred Restaurant Aphrodite. Meanwhile, the art galleries and museums, including the fantastic Matisse Museum, are perhaps the highlight of Nice’s rich cultural offerings.

Alghero, Italy

This medieval Sardinian city was recommended by mignonnette, who praised its “intriguing mix of Sardi and Moorish-Spanish architecture”. Also highlighted was its “exquisite town beaches”. Alghero has been recommended in the past by other readers, who tipped Il Lazzaretto as one of Sardinia’s best beaches, with its crystal-clear waters and views of the city across the bay. We can suggest checking in at Hotel Domomea, if you’re looking for a well-located spot to stay.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

A huge number of commenters chose the capital of Bosnia and Hezegovina as their favourite city. paully84 described it as “breathtaking”, while 1984isNotEmmanualsaid it was “a city that’s so welcoming”. It’s easy to make your way round the historical centre on foot but sign up to one of the Sarajevo Walking Tours (free during off-season) if you want to be led by a knowledgeable guide. In the evening there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from; Pravda does a mean cocktail.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Hostel Celica, a former prison with rooms converted by architects and artists, including Antony Gormley Photograph: PR

What Botham77 had to say about Ljubljana: “Nicely slow-paced and beautiful, friendly locals, decent beers and loads of meat.” The Slovenian capital has a stunning city centre, with love-locked bridges over the river and bars along the banks. One of the best places to stay is Hostel Celica, a former prison that’s had every room/cell converted by architects and artists including the likes of Antony Gormley. Just behind the hostel you’ll find the independent cultural centre and music venue Menza Pri Koritu – a warehouse coated in brightly coloured art – and nearby is the exceedingly well-curated museum of modern art.

Granada, Spain

Montfort described Granada as a “lively city in a beautiful setting”. And added: “The Alhambra is, for me, one of the seven wonders of the world … With the Sierra Nevada mountain range behind it, seen from the Gipsy barrio on the other side, a view to die for.” Make sure you also check in to El Bañuelo, a stunning Arabic bath complex and make the most of the free tapas at the bars on Calle Navas.

Sofia, Bulgaria

A man walks in a park in the centre of Sofia. Photograph: Stoyan Neno/Reuters

The Bulgarian capital was another favourite city of many commenters. As jamescrouchman pointed out, it has Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, mineral springs and a plethora of cafes and restaurants. The Free Sofia Tour is the perfect way for budget travellers to get an insight into the place. Meanwhile, Borisova Gradina is a lush park where you’ll find cafes and a huge historical monument celebrating heroes of socialism.

Thessaloniki, Greece

Thessaloniki has a great bar, cafe and nightlife scene. This is Thermaikos bar Photograph: PR

“Thessaloniki is brilliant!” said hammersmithtownie, one of several who put it on their list of destinations for the best alternative city break. The historical White Tower is the obvious landmark and there’s a great bar, cafe and nightlife scene. As we recently reported, in our foodie traveller series, it’s also home to the incredible bougatsan creation – a cross between a croissant and a custard pie – conjured up by the team at the Estrella Cafe.

Padlocks on Tumski bridge, known as the Bridge of Lovers. Photograph: Piotr Hawalej/AFP/Getty Images

A notable chunk of commenters recommended western Poland’s biggest city, which has seen a boom of cultural activity in recent years. Venue, cafe and bar FORUM Przestrzenie is a great example of this, repurposing a former hotel on the riverbank. The Puro Hotel is a sleek, modern, design led hotel right in the middle of the city’s Jewish quarter, where you’ll find popular bar and restaurant Mleczarnia.

Basel, Switzerland

There appears to be far more on offer in Basel than just the art fair, according to a number of commenters who suggested the city as a great short-break destination. The recently renovated Volkshaus has a chic restaurant, as well as being a venue for a wide range of gigs and club nights, while the Fondation Beyeler has a spectacular collection of art housed in a museum designed by Renzo Piano. Just 5km from the city centre – but across the border in Germany – you’ll find the Vitra design museum, one of the top centres for cutting-edge design in the world, with its main building designed by Frank Gehry.